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Chetham’s Library has been in continuous use as a public library for over 350 years. It is housed in a beautiful sandstone building dating from 1421 which was built to accommodate the priests of Manchester’s Collegiate Church.

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Chetham's Library is packed with history and is famed for the Marx and Engels nook but there is so much more to this. It is the oldest English speaking free library and is still a reference library to this day. It's next to the Cathedral...More

Chetham's library is a magical place. One of the oldest buildings in Manchester, with some walls and books from the 15th century. Very nice staff members who seemed really passionate about their job. It is completely free to visit but your donations are always welcome

Don’t miss this splendid historical gem in the heart of Manchester! The UK’s first public library in a collegium from the 15th century, with a touch of more recent history with Marx and Engel’s working table. The volunteer guide team was excellent and extremely devoted!

Chetham’s Library and School of Music are a central feature of the life of the City. A calm oasis surrounded by the Cathedral, Victoria Railway Station and even the National Football Museum, some of the buildings within the complex date back to the beginning of...More

We visited the library as a last minute plan and we were not disappointed by that choice. We were amazed!!! You need to wait for the o'clock of each hour (only during the mornings) and a guide will collect the visitors from the main door....More

This is a relatively small but very storied and historically important library, makes for a good 1 hour visit. Really cool medieval architecture. I went with my parents on the 2pm extended tour which I recommend - the guide gave lots of interesting historical tidbits...More

If you are a bookworm this is the place for you, it is absolutely stocked full of ancient books that bring this ambience to the building like never before. Walking the hallways is as enchanting as stepping into what I imagine Hogwarts looks like. Definitely...More

Great tour inside this beautiful and old library. It was given by a very empathic lady, who gave us a very warm welcome and told the group lot's of interesting histories and anecdotes about this place.
Very solemn moment to sit where the great Marx...More